Launch of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2013

ESCAP's flagship publication argues to reorient macroeconomic policies towards inclusive and sustainable development in the region

The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific is a year-end review by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the regional arm of the United Nations. The Subregional Office for East and North-East Asia (SRO-ENEA), one of the four regional offices of ESCAP organizes a panel discussion to commemorate the launch of the Survey 2013 to be held on Thursday, 18 April at Kyung Hee University.

The flagship publication of ESCAP – the regional arm of the United Nations – provides policy options for governments to overcome challenges and maintain the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

Amidst widening income inequalities and depleting natural resources, the Asia-Pacific region is facing subdued growth in 2013. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) estimates that uncertainty stemming from eurozone and United States economic policy since the onset of the global crisis, has shaved 3 per cent off regional GDP, or $870 billion in output. However, ESCAP argues that macroeconomic policies can play a vital role in reorienting the region towards a more inclusive and sustainable growth path.

The 2013 edition of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific: Forward-looking Macroeconomic Policies for Inclusive and Sustainable Development, lays a pathway towards inclusive and environment-friendly growth as the key to creating new sources of economic vitality amidst the ongoing global uncertainty.

It is co-organized by SRO-ENEA and the Kyung Hee Institute for Human Society at Kyung Hee University. Simultaneous launch events of the Survey 2013 will be taken place in 37 cities around the world, including Bangkok where the headquarters of ESCAP is located.

NOTE TO EDITORS
What: Release of United Nations Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2013